Fabric article treating system

ABSTRACT

A fabric article treating system, and more particularly to a fabric article treating system comprising at least a fabric article active delivery stage and a fabric article transporter capable of passing a fabric article in need of treatment through the fabric article active delivery stage such that a fabric article active is delivered to the fabric article is provided. Methods of treating fabric articles, especially with the fabric article treating system is also provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSerial No. 60/327,076 filed Oct. 4, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a fabric article treatingsystem, and more particularly to a fabric article treating systemcomprising at least a fabric article active delivery stage and a fabricarticle transporter capable of passing a fabric article in need oftreatment through the fabric article active delivery stage such that afabric article active is delivered to the fabric article. The presentinvention also relates to methods of treating fabric articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventional tunnel finishers, such as those described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,018,371 and 3,732,628 have been used in the past to deliverwater and/or steam to fabric articles passing through the tunnelfinishers. It has long been known that wrinkles in garments can beremoved by subjecting the garments to a high humidity atmosphere,particularly at some elevated temperature. However, such conventionaltunnel finishers do not deliver other fabric care benefits, such as byway of delivering one or more fabric article actives to a fabric articlepassing through the tunnel finisher.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a fabric article treating systemthat is capable of transporting a fabric article in need of treatmentinto a fabric article active delivery stage such that the fabric articleis contacted by a fabric article active.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention fulfills the need identified above byproviding a fabric article treating system.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a fabric article treatingsystem comprising:

[0007] a. a fabric article transporter; and

[0008] b. a fabric article active delivery stage; and

[0009] c. optionally a solvent delivery stage; and

[0010] d. optionally, a drying stage;

[0011] wherein the fabric article transporter is capable of positioninga fabric article in one or more of the stages of the fabric articletreating system, such that when the fabric article is present in thefabric article active delivery stage the fabric article is contactedwith a fabric article active, when the fabric article is present in thesolvent delivery stage the fabric article is contacted by a solvent,when the fabric article is present in the drying stage the fabricarticle is dried, is provided.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for treatinga fabric article in need of treatment comprising passing the fabricarticle through a fabric article active delivery stage, and optionally asolvent delivery stage, and optionally a drying stage, such that thefabric article is treated.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method fortreating a fabric article in need of treatment comprising:

[0014] a. providing a fabric article treating system according to thepresent invention; and

[0015] b. treating the fabric article in the fabric article treatingsystem such that the fabric article is treated, is provided.

[0016] In still another embodiment of the present invention, a methodfor treating a fabric article in need of treatment comprising passingthe fabric article through a fabric article active delivery stage, andoptionally a solvent delivery stage, and optionally a drying stage, suchthat the fabric article is treated, is provided.

[0017] Accordingly, the present invention provides a fabric articletreating system and a method for treating garments wherein a fabricarticle active is delivered to a fabric article during the time thefabric article is present within a fabric article active delivery stage.

[0018] All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are on a weightbasis unless otherwise indicated. All documents cited herein are herebyincorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a fabrictreating system in accordance with the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of afabric treating system in accordance with the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of afabric treating system in accordance with the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of afabric treating system in accordance with the present invention.

[0023] In FIGS. 1-4, the arrow represents the desired direction that afabric article being treated by the fabric article treating systempasses through the fabric article treating system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Definitions

[0025] “System” as used herein means a complex unity formed of manyoften, but not always, diverse parts (i.e., materials, compositions,devices, appliances, procedures, methods, conditions, etc.) subject to acommon plan or serving a common purpose.

[0026] The term “fabric article” as used herein is intended to mean anyarticle that is customarily cleaned in a conventional laundry process orin a dry cleaning process, as such it includes, but is not limited to,articles that are wholly or partially made of leather and/or furs and/orother fine fabrics and/or “dry-clean only fabrics”. As such the termencompasses articles of clothing, linen, drapery, and clothingaccessories. The term also encompasses other items made in whole or inpart of fabric, such as tote bags, furniture covers, tarpaulins and thelike.

[0027] The term “aqueous vapor” used herein is intended to mean anyvapor, droplets, mist, fog, or atomized liquid that is water based. Ifthe aqueous vapor is steam or superheated steam (above atmosphericpressure), it is preferable that it is a “wet” steam or a steam having a“low quality” in the normal meaning of these terms in the steamproduction art. “Cold steam” is also encompassed by this term. Coldsteam may be produced by exposing water or a water-based compositions toultrasonic waves in order to effect vaporization. For all aqueous vaportypes, it is preferable that the size of the droplets is less than 1millimeter, more preferably, less than 250 microns, and most preferably,less than 100 microns.

[0028] Fabric Article Treating System

[0029] The fabric article treating system of the present inventioncomprises a fabric article active delivery stage and optionally, asolvent delivery stage, and optionally a drying stage. Fabric articles,especially finished fabric articles, in need of treatment aretransported through the one or more stages of the fabric articletreating system via a fabric article transporter. The fabric article istreated when the fabric article is present in the one or more stages.Each stage typically comprises an entrance whereby a fabric articleenters the stage and an exit whereby the fabric article exits the stage.The entrance and exit are desirably distinct from one another. If thefabric treating system comprises two or more stages then the fabricarticle would enter through an entrance in one stage and exit through anexit of another stage during the treatment of the fabric article via thefabric article treating system of the present invention. The fabricarticles are in continuous movement via the fabric article transporterthrough the stages, and only reside within a single stage as it passesthrough the stage for an effective period of time to allow the stage todeliver its fabric care benefits.

[0030] Each stage may be housed in a separate discrete housing, or twoor more stages may be housed in a single housing. When housed in asingle housing, it is desirable that the two or more stages arephysically, mechanically and/or chemically distinct from one another. Anonlimiting example of “physically distinct from one another” is that aphysical barrier, such as a partial wall is located between the stages.A nonlimiting example of “mechanically distinct” is that two or morematerials that are being delivered to the fabric article in a singlestage are delivered from distinct delivery means, such as nozzles,holes, etc., and/or are delivered at different times during thetreatment within the single stage. A nonlimiting example of “chemicallydistinct” is that two or more materials that are being delivered to thefabric article in a single stage do not chemically react with oneanother during the delivery to the fabric article.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least three stages are present and/or atleast three stages are housed within one fabric article treating systemhousing.

[0032] In another embodiment, two or more of the stages are associatedwith one another such that the fabric article passes through the two ormore stages via the fabric article transporter during operation of thefabric article treating system. The fabric article may pass through thetwo or more stages via the fabric article transporter in any order.

[0033] The fabric article treating system typically comprises a safetylock system such that if the fabric article transporter stops, then alldelivery of solvent and/or fabric article actives and/or dryingautomatically stops.

[0034] Any suitable materials known to those in the art may be used tomanufacture the various components of the present invention. Examples ofsuitable materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,018,371 and3,732,628, and are seen in the commercially available tunnel finishersfrom Jensen, Colmac Industries and/or Leonard Automatics.

[0035] a. Fabric Article Active Delivery Stage

[0036] The fabric article active delivery stage typically comprises afabric article active delivery stage housing within which a fabricarticle is contacted by a fabric article active.

[0037] The desired purpose of the fabric article active delivery stageis to apply to a fabric article, especially deposit onto the fabricarticle, a fabric article active (also known as a finishing agent) suchthat the fabric article active remains on the fabric article, thusproviding a fabric article benefit, after the fabric article is treatedby the fabric article treating system of the present invention.

[0038] The fabric article active may be applied to the fabric articlesat any amount. The quantity of fabric article active applied to thefabric articles depends upon the type of fabric articles and the desiredbenefit to be delivered by the fabric article active (i.e., sizing,perfuming, softening, deodorizing). Typically, a quantity of the fabricarticle active of from about 0.1% to about 100%, more typically fromabout 0.5% to about 50%, most typically from about 1% to about 10% bydry weight of the fabric articles is applied to the fabric articles.

[0039] Depending upon the fabric article active and its purpose, thefabric article active may be applied uniformly to the fabric articlesduring the fabric article active delivery stage.

[0040] Nonlimiting examples of suitable fabric article actives includematerials selected from the group consisting of: fabric softeningagents, perfumes, hand-modifying agents, pro-perfumes, anti-staticagents, sizing agents, optical brighteners, odor control agents, soilrelease polymers, insect and/or moth repellent agents, antimicrobialagents, odor neutralizing agents, wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkleresistance agents, waterproofing agents, sizing agents, conditioningagents, dyes, dye fixatives, soil release polymers, soil repellencyagents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents, finishing polymers; such assynthetic, such as poly acrylates, or natural, such as, starchcarboxymethyl cellulose, or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and mixturesthereof.

[0041] The fabric article actives can be volatile or non-volatile.Non-volatile fabric article actives are those actives that are notreduced and/or removed by subsequent processes during the fabric articletreating system, such as by being exposed to the solvent delivery stage,may be applied prior to the solvent delivery stage. If the fabricarticle actives are susceptible to reduction and/or removal from thefabric article by the conditions that exist in the solvent deliverystage, then it is desirable to apply those types of fabric articleactives subsequent to the solvent delivery stage.

[0042] The fabric article active is typically delivered to the fabricarticle from a fabric article active supply source. The fabric articleactive supply source typically comprises a reservoir for holding thefabric article active until needed and a nozzle through which the fabricarticle active is delivered to the fabric article from the reservoir. Itis desirable that the nozzle is an air atomizing spray nozzle and/or anelectrostatic spray nozzle, thus electrically charging the fabricarticle active liquid upon delivery through the nozzle.

[0043] The fabric article active is desirably delivered via a vaporphase and/or a mist.

[0044] It is desirable that the fabric article active delivery stagecomprises a recovery system that is capable of collecting and/orrecirculating the fabric article active that is not deposited upon thefabric article during the fabric article active delivery stage.

[0045] Nonlimiting examples of perfume agents include aromatic andaliphatic esters, aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, aliphatic ketones,aromatic ketones, aliphatic lactones, aliphatic aldehydes, aromaticaldehydes, condensation products of aldehydes and amines, saturatedalcohols, saturated esters, saturated aromatic ketones, saturatedlactones, saturated nitrites, saturated ethers, saturated acetals,saturated phenols, saturated hydrocarbons, aromatic nitromusks andmixtures thereof, as more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,060 andCanadian Patent No. 1,325,601. Other perfume agents are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,744,435 and 5,721,202, all of said patents areincorporated by reference.

[0046] It is desirable that the perfume ingredients are selected fromthose perfume ingredients that can effectively provide the best residualperfume odor benefit on fabrics. It is preferable that at least about25%, preferably at least about 40%, more preferably at least about 60%,and even more preferably at least about 75%, by weight of the perfume iscomposed of those “lasting” perfume ingredients, selected from the groupconsisting of “enduring” perfume ingredients that appreciably remain onfabrics after drying, perfume ingredients having low odor detectionthreshold and mixtures thereof.

[0047] a. Enduring Perfume Ingredients

[0048] The enduring perfume ingredients are characterized by theirboiling points (B.P.). The enduring perfume ingredients of thisinvention have a B.P, measured at the normal, standard pressure of 760mm Hg, of about 240° C. or higher, and preferably of about 250° C. orhigher.

[0049] The boiling points of many perfume ingredients are given in,e.g., “Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals),” SteffenArctander, published by the author, 1969, incorporated herein byreference. Other boiling point values can be obtained from differentchemistry handbooks and data bases, such as the Beilstein Handbook,Lange's Handbook of Chemistry, and the CRC Handbook of Chemistry andPhysics. When a boiling point is given only at a different pressure,usually lower pressure than the normal pressure of 760 mm Hg, theboiling point at normal pressure can be approximately estimated by usingboiling point-pressure nomographs, such as those given in “The Chemist'sCompanion,” A. J. Gordon and R. A. Ford, John Wiley & Sons Publishers,1972, pp. 30-36. The boiling point values can also be estimated via acomputer program that is described in “Development of a QuantitativeStructure—Property Relationship Model for Estimating Normal BoilingPoints of Small Multifunctional Organic Molecules”, David T. Stanton,Journal of Chemical Information and Computer Sciences, Vol. 40, No. 1,2000, pp. 81-90, incorporated herein by reference. Thus, when a perfumecomposition which is composed of enduring perfume ingredients having aB.P. of about 250° C. or higher, they remain substantive on fabricsafter the drying step. Non-limiting examples of the preferred enduringperfume ingredients of the present invention include: allyl cyclohexanepropionate, ambrettolide, amyl benzoate, amyl cinnamate, amyl cinnamicaldehyde, amyl cinnamic aldehyde dimethyl acetal, iso-amyl salicylate,aurantiol (trade name for hydroxycitronellal-methyl anthranilate),benzophenone, benzyl salicylate, iso-butyl quinoline,beta-caryophyllene, cadinene, cedrol, cedryl acetate, cedryl formate,cinnamyl cinnamate, cyclohexyl salicylate, cyclamen aldehyde, dihydroisojasmonate, diphenyl methane, diphenyl oxide, dodecalactone, iso Esuper (trade name for1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-ethanone),ethylene brassylate, ethyl methyl phenyl glycidate, ethyl undecylenate,iso-eugenol, exaltolide (trade name for 15-hydroxypentadecanoic acid,lactone), galaxolide (trade name for1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-gamma-2-benzopyran),geranyl anthranilate, hexadecanolide, hexenyl salicylate, hexyl cinnamicaldehyde, hexyl salicylate, lilial (trade name forpara-tertiary-butyl-alpha-methyl hydrocinnamic aldehyde), linalylbenzoate, 2-methoxy naphthalene, methyl cinnamate, methyldihydrojasmonate, beta-methyl naphthyl ketone, musk indanone, muskketone, musk tibetine, myristicin, delta-nonalactone, oxahexadecanolide-10, oxahexadecanolide-11, patchouli alcohol, phantolide (trade name for5-acetyl-1,1,2,3,3,6-hexamethylindan), phenyl ethyl benzoate,phenylethylphenylacetate, phenyl heptanol, phenyl hexanol,alpha-santalol, thibetolide (trade name for 15-hydroxypentadecanoicacid, lactone), tonalid, delta-undecalactone, gamma-undecalactone,vetiveryl acetate, yara-yara, allyl phenoxy acetate, cinnamic alcohol,cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamyl formate, coumarin, dimethyl benzyl carbinylacetate, ethyl cinnamate, ethyl vanillin (3-methoxy-4-ethoxybenzaldehyde), eugenol, eugenyl acetate, heliotropine, indol,isoeugenol, koavone, methyl-beta-naphthyl ketone, methyl cinnamate,methyl dihdrojasmonate, beta methyl naphthyl ketone, methyl-n-methylanthranilate, delta-nonalactone, gamma-nonalactone, para methoxyacetophenone (acetanisole), phenoxy ethyl iso butyrate, phenoxy ethylpropionate, piperonal, triethyl citrate, vanillin, and mixtures thereof.Other enduring perfume ingredients useful in the present inventioninclude methyl-N-methyl anthranilate, benzyl butyrate, benzyl isovalerate, citronellyl isobutyrate, citronellyl propionate,delta-nonalactone, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, dodecanal, geranylacetate, geranyl isobutyrate, gamma-ionone, para-isopropylphenylacetaldehyde, cis-jasmone, methyl eugenol, hydroxycitronellal,phenoxy ethanol, benzyl iso valerate, anisic aldehyde, cuminic alcohol,cis-jasmone, methyl eugenol, and mixtures thereof.

[0050] The preferred perfume compositions used in the present inventioncontain at least 4 different enduring perfume ingredients, preferably atleast 5 enduring perfume ingredients, more preferably at least 6different enduring perfume ingredients, and even more preferably atleast 7 different enduring perfume ingredients. Most common perfumeingredients which are derived from natural sources are composed of amultitude of components. When each such material is used in theformulation of the preferred perfume compositions of the presentinvention, it is counted as one single ingredient, for the purpose ofdefining the invention.

[0051] In the perfume art, some materials having no odor or very faintodor are used as diluents or extenders. Non-limiting examples of thesematerials are dipropylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate,isopropyl myristate, and benzyl benzoate. These materials are used for,e.g., diluting and stabilizing some other perfume ingredients. Thesematerials are not counted in the formulation of the lasting perfumecompositions of the present invention.

[0052] b. Low Odor Detection Threshold Perfume Ingredients

[0053] The perfume compositions of the present invention can compriseone or more low odor detection threshold perfume ingredients. The odordetection threshold of an odorous material is the lowest vaporconcentration of that material which can be olfactorily detected. Theodor detection threshold and some odor detection threshold values arediscussed in, e.g., “Standardized Human Olfactory Thresholds”, M. Devoset al, IRL Press at Oxford University Press, 1990, and “Compilation ofOdor and Taste Threshold Values Data”, F. A. Fazzalari, editor, ASTMData Series DS 48A, American Society for Testing and Materials, 1978,both of said publications being incorporated by reference. The use ofsmall amounts of perfume ingredients that have low odor detectionthreshold values can improve perfume odor character, even though theyare not as substantive as the enduring perfume ingredients disclosedhereinabove. Perfume ingredients having a significantly low detectionthreshold, useful in the lasting perfume composition of the presentinvention, are selected from the group consisting of allyl amylglycolate, ambrox, anethole, bacdanol, benzyl acetone, benzylsalicylate, butyl anthranilate, calone, cetalox, cinnamic alcohol,coumarin, cyclogalbanate, Cyclal C, cymal, damascenone, alpha-damascone,4-decenal, dihydro isojasmonate, gamma-dodecalactone, ebanol, ethylanthranilate, ethyl-2-methyl butyrate, ethyl methylphenyl glycidate,ethyl vanillin, eugenol, flor acetate, florhydral, fructone, frutene,heliotropin, herbavert, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, indole, alpha-ionone,beta-ionone, iso cyclo citral, isoeugenol, alpha-isomethylionone, keone,lilial, linalool, lyral, methyl anthranilate, methyl dihydrojasmonate,methyl heptine carbonate, methyl isobutenyl tetrahydropyran, methyl betanaphthyl ketone, methyl nonyl ketone, beta naphthol methyl ether, nerol,para-anisic aldehyde, para hydroxy phenyl butanone, phenyl acetaldehyde,gamma-undecalactone, undecylenic aldehyde and mixtures thereof. Thesematerials are preferably present at low levels in addition to theenduring perfume ingredients, typically less than about 20%, preferablyless than about 15%, more preferably less than about 10%, by weight ofthe total perfume compositions of the present invention. However, onlylow levels are required to provide a perfume odor effect. Some enduringperfume ingredients also have low odor detection threshold. Thesematerials are counted as enduring perfume ingredients in the formulationof the lasting perfume compositions of the present invention

[0054] Pro-fragrances, Pro-perfumes, and Pro-accords

[0055] The fabric care compositions of the present invention may alsocomprise a fragrance delivery system comprising one or morepro-fragrances, pro-perfumes, pro-accords, and mixtures thereofhereinafter known collectively as “pro-fragrances”. The pro-fragrancesof the present invention can exhibit varying release rates dependingupon the pro-fragrance chosen. In addition, the pro-fragrances of thepresent invention can be admixed with the fragrance raw materials whichare released therefrom to present the user with an initial fragrance,scent, accord, or bouquet.

[0056] The pro-fragrances of the present invention can be suitablyadmixed with any carrier provided the carrier does not catalyze or inother way promote the pre-mature release form the pro-fragrance of thefragrance raw materials.

[0057] The following are non-limiting classes of pro-fragrancesaccording to the present invention.

[0058] Esters and polyesters—The esters and polyester pro-fragrances ofthe present invention are capable of releasing one or more fragrance rawmaterial alcohols. Preferred are esters having the formula:

[0059] wherein R is substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₃₀ alkylene, C₂-C₃₀alkenylene, C₆-C₃₀ arylen mixtures thereof; —OR¹ is derived from afragrance raw material alcohol having the formula HOR¹, oralternatively, in the case wherein the index x is greater than 1, R¹ ishydrogen thereby rendering at least one moiety a carboxylic acid, —CO₂Hunit, rather than an ester unit; the index x is 1 or greater.Non-limiting examples of preferred polyester pro-fragrances includedigeranyl succinate, dicitronellyl succinate, digeranyl adipate,dicitronellyl adipate, and the like.

[0060] Beta-Ketoesters—The b-ketoesters of the present invention arecapable of releasing one or more fragrance raw materials. Preferredb-ketoesters according to the present invention have the formula:

[0061] wherein —OR derives from a fragrance raw material alcohol; R¹,R², and R³ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₂-C₃₀alkenyl, C₁-C₃₀ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₃₀ alkynyl, C₆-C₃₀ aryl, C₇-C₃₀alkylenearyl, C₃-C₃₀ alkyleneoxyalkyl, and mixtures thereof, provided atleast one R¹, R², or R³ is a unit having the formula:

[0062] wherein R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₃₀alkyl, C₂-C₃₀ alkenyl, C₁-C₃₀ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkoxy, C₆-C₃₀ aryl,C₇-C₃₀ alkylenearyl, C₃-C₃₀ alkyleneoxyalkyl, and mixtures thereof, orR⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ can be taken together to form a C₃-C8 aromatic ornon-aromatic, heterocyclic or non-heterocyclic ring.

[0063] Non-limiting examples of b-ketoesters according to the presentinvention include 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-yl3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-propionate; 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-yl3-(nonanyl)-3-oxo-propionate; 9-decen-1-yl3-(b-naphthyl)-3-oxo-propionate; (a,a-4-trimethyl-3-cyclohexenyl)methyl3-(b-naphthyl)-3-oxo-propionate; 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-yl3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-propionate; 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-yl3-(b-naphthyl)-3-oxo-propionate; 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-yl3-(4-nitrophenyl)-3-oxo-propionate; 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-yl3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-propionate; 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-yl3-(a-naphthyl)-3-oxo-propionate; cis 3-hexen-1-yl3-(b-naphthyl)-3-oxo-propionate; 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-yl3-(nonanyl)-3-oxo-propionate; 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-yl 3-oxo-butyrate;3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-yl 3-oxo-butyrate; 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-yl3-(b-naphthyl)-3-oxo-2-methylpropionate; 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-yl3-(b-naphthyl)-3-oxo-2,2-dimethylpropionate;3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-yl 3-(b-naphthyl)-3-oxo-2-methylpropionate;3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl 3-(b-naphthyl)-3-oxo-propionate;3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl 3-heptyl-3-oxo-propionate.

[0064] Acetals and Ketals—Another class of compound useful aspro-accords according to the present invention are acetals and ketalshaving the formula:

[0065]  wherein hydrolysis of the acetal or ketal releases oneequivalent of aldehyde or ketone and two equivalents of alcoholaccording to the following scheme:

[0066] wherein R is C₁-C₂₀ linear alkyl, C₄-C₂₀ branched alkyl, C₆-C₂₀cyclic alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ branched cyclic alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ linear alkenyl,C₆-C₂₀ branched alkenyl, C₆-C₂₀ cyclic alkenyl, C₆-C₂₀ branched cyclicalkenyl, C₆-C₂₀ substituted or unsubstituted aryl, preferably themoieties which substitute the aryl units are alkyl moieties, andmixtures thereof. R¹ is hydrogen, R, or in the case wherein thepro-accord is a ketal, R and R¹ can be taken together to form a ring. R²and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of C₅-C₂₀linear, branched, or substituted alkyl; C₄-C₂₀ linear, branched, orsubstituted alkenyl; C₅-C₂₀ substituted or unsubstituted cyclic alkyl;C₅-C₂₀ substituted or unsubstituted aryl, C₂-C₄₀ substituted orunsubstituted alkyleneoxy; C₃-C₄₀ substituted or unsubstitutedalkyleneoxyalkyl; C₆-C₄₀ substituted or unsubstituted alkylenearyl;C₆-C₃₂ substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy; C₆-C₄₀ substituted orunsubstituted alkyleneoxyaryl; C₆-C₄₀ oxyalkylenearyl; and mixturesthereof.

[0067] Non-limiting examples of aldehydes which are releasable by theacetals of the present invention include4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexene- 1 -carboxaldehyde (lyral),phenylacetaldehyde, methylnonyl acetaldehyde, 2-phenylpropan- 1-al(hydrotropaldehyde), 3-phenylprop-2-en-1-al (cinnamaldehyde),3-phenyl-2-pentylprop-2-en-1-al (a-amylcinnamaldehyde),3-phenyl-2-hexylprop-2-enal (a-hexylcinnamaldehyde),3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-methylpropan-1-al (cyclamen aldehyde),3-(4-ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropan-1-al (floralozone),3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal,3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-methylpropan-1-al (helional),3-(4-ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal, 3-(3-isopropylphenyl)butan-1-al(florhydral), 2,6-dimethylhep-5-en-1-al (melonal), n-decanal,n-undecanal, n-dodecanal, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-al (citral),4-methoxybenzaldehyde (anisaldehyde), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde(vanillin), 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (ethyl vanillin),3,4-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde (heliotropin), 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde.

[0068] Non-limiting examples of ketones which are releasable by theketals of the present invention include a-damascone, b-damascone,d-damascone, b-damascenone, muscone,6,7-dihydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4(5H)-indanone (cashmeran),cis-jasmone, dihydrojasmone, a-ionone, b-ionone, dihydro-b-ionone,g-methyl ionone, a-iso-methyl ionone,4-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)butan-2-one, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one,methyl b-naphthyl ketone, methyl cedryl ketone,6-acetyl-1,1,2,4,4,7-hexamethyltetralin (tonalid), 1-carvone,5-cyclohexadecen-1-one, acetophenone, decatone,2-[2-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl-1-yl)propyl]cyclopentan-2-one,2-sec-butylcyclohexanone, b-dihydro ionone, allyl ionone, a-irone,a-cetone, a-irisone, acetanisole, geranyl acetone,1-(2-methyl-5-isopropyl-2-cyclohexenyl)-1-propanone, acetyldiisoamylene, methyl cyclocitrone, 4-t-pentyl cyclohexanone,p-t-butylcyclohexanone, o-t-butylcyclohexanone, ethyl amyl ketone, ethylpentyl ketone, menthone, methyl-7,3-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodioxepine-3-one,fenchone.

[0069] Orthoesters—Another class of compound useful as pro-accordsaccording to the present invention are orthoesters having the formula:

[0070]  wherein hydrolysis of the orthoester releases one equivalent ofan ester and two equivalents of alcohol according to the followingscheme:

[0071] wherein R is hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₄-C₂₀ cycloalkyl, C₆-C₂₀alkenyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and mixtures thereof, R¹, R² and R³ are eachindependently selected from the group consisting of C₅-C₂₀ linear,branched, or substituted alkyl; C₄-C₂₀ linear, branched, or substitutedalkenyl; C₅-C₂₀ substituted or unsubstituted cyclic alkyl; C₅-C₂₀substituted or unsubstituted aryl, C₂-C₄₀ substituted or unsubstitutedalkyleneoxy; C₃-C₄₀ substituted or unsubstituted alkyleneoxyalkyl;C₆-C₄₀ substituted or unsubstituted alkylenearyl; C₆-C₃₂ substituted orunsubstituted aryloxy; C₆-C₄₀ substituted or unsubstitutedalkyleneoxyaryl; C₆-C₄₀ oxyalkylenearyl; and mixtures thereof.

[0072] Non-limiting examples of orthoester pro-fragrances includetris-geranyl orthoformate, tris(cis-3-hexen-1-yl)orthoformate,tris(phenylethyl)orthoformate, bis(citronellyl)ethylorthoacetate,tris(citronellyl)orthoformate, tris(cis-6-nonenyl)orthoformate,tris(phenoxyethyl)orthoformate, tris(geranyl, neryl)orthoformate (70:30geranyl:neryl), tris(9-decenyl)orthoformate,tris(3-methyl-5-phenylpentanyl)orthoformate,tris(6-methylheptan-2-yl)orthoformate,tris([4-(2,2,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-yl]orthoformate,tris[3-methyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-4-penten-2-yl]orthoformate,trismenthyl orthoformate,tris(4-isopropylcyclohexylethyl-2-yl)orthoformate,tris-(6,8-dimethylnonan-2-yl)orthoformate, tris-phenylethylorthoacetate, tris(cis-3-hexen-1-yl) orthoacetate,tris(cis-6-nonenyl)orthoacetate, tris-citronellyl orthoacetate,bis(geranyl) benzyl orthoacetate, tris(geranyl)orthoacetate,tris(4-isopropylcyclohexylmethyl)orthoacetate, tris(benzyl)orthoacetate,tris(2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenyl) orthoacetate, bis(cis-3-hexen-1-yl)amylorthoacetate, and neryl citronellyl ethyl orthobutyrate.

[0073] Pro-fragrances are suitably described in the following: U.S. Pat.No. 5,378,468 Suffis et al., issued Jan. 3, 1995; U.S. Pat. No.5,626,852 Suffis et al., issued May 6, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,710,122Sivik et al., issued Jan. 20, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,918 Sivik etal., issued Feb. 10, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,721,202 Waite et al., issuedFeb. 24, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,435 Hartman et al., issued Apr. 25,1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,827 Sivik, issued May 26, 1998; U.S. Pat. No.5,830,835 Severns et al., issued Nov. 3, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,752Morelli et al., issued Jul. 6, 1999 all of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

[0074] Wrinkle reduction agents and/or wrinkle resistance agents(collectively known as wrinkle control agents) comprise a polymerselected from the group of polymers comprising carboxylic acid moietiesthat can be suspended, dispersed or solubilized at a specified pH rangeto produce a lipophilic solution with a viscosity lower than theviscosity of that polymer composition at a pH above the specified pHrange and with the viscosity of the solution preferably below about 20centipoise (“cP”), more preferably below about 15 cP, even morepreferably below about 12 cP, even more preferably below about 10 cP,still more preferably below about 7 cP and most preferably below about 3cP. Mixtures of such polymers can also be used. The wrinkle controlagents polymer compositions of the present invention can optionallyfurther comprise silicone compounds and/or emulsions especially thosecompounds that impart lubricity and softness, as well as those thatreduce surface tension. Non-limiting examples include silicones modifiedwith alkylene oxide moieties compounds. Mixtures of silicones thatprovide desired benefits are also acceptable in the present composition.Another option is an effective amount of a supplemental wrinkle controlagent selected from the group consisting essentially of (1) adjunctpolymer (2) fabric care polysaccharides, (3) lithium salts, (4) fiberfabric lubricants, and (5) mixtures thereof. Other options include aneffective amount of a supplemental surface tension control agent, aneffective amount to soften fibers and/or polymer of hydrophilicplasticizer wrinkle control agent, an effective amount of odor controlagent to absorb or reduce malodor, and/or an effective amount of perfumeto provide olfactory effects.

[0075] Preferred wrinkle control agents can optionally further comprise:

[0076] (A) optionally, but preferably, silicone compounds and emulsions.Silicone compounds that impart lubricity and softness are highlypreferred. Silicones that reduce surface tension are also highlypreferred. A preferred class of silicone materials includes siliconesmodified with alkylene oxide moieties compounds; mixtures of siliconesthat provide desired benefits are also acceptable in the presentcomposition; and

[0077] (B) optionally, an effective amount of a supplemental wrinklecontrol agent selected from the group consisting of (1) adjunct polymerfree of carboxylic acid moieties (2) polysaccharides, (3) lithium salts,(4) fiber fabric lubricants, and (5) mixtures thereof; and

[0078] (C) optionally, an effective amount of a supplemental surfacetension control agent; and

[0079] (D) optionally, an effective amount to soften fibers and/or ofhydrophilic plasticizer wrinkle control agent.

[0080] The fabric softening agents or actives typically comprise acationic moiety, more typically a quaternary ammonium salt, preferablyselected from the group consisting of:N,N-dimethyl-N,N-di(tallowyloxyethyl)ammonium methylsulfate,N-methyl-N-hydroxyethyl-N,N-di(canoyloxyethyl)ammonium methylsulfate andmixtures thereof.

[0081] The hand-modifying agents typically comprise a polyethylenepolymer.

[0082] Another embodiment of a fabric article active is a mixture ofDPGDME (DiPropyleneGlycol DiMethylEther)N,N-di(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride and aperfume.

[0083] The finishing polymers can be natural, or synthetic, and can actby forming a film, and/or by providing adhesive properties. E.g., thepresent invention can optionally use film-forming and/or adhesivepolymer to impart shape retention to fabric, particularly clothing. By“adhesive” it is meant that when applied as a solution or a dispersionto a fiber surface and dried, the polymer can attach to the surface. Thepolymer can form a film on the surface, or when residing between twofibers and in contact with the two fibers, it can bond the two fiberstogether.

[0084] Nonlimiting examples of the finishing polymer that arecommercially available are: polyvinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer, such as Copolymer 958®, molecular weight ofabout 100,000 and Copolymer 937, molecular weight of about 1,000,000,available from GAF Chemicals Corporation; adipicacid/dimethylaminohydroxypropyl diethylenetriamine copolymer, such asCartaretin F-4® and F-23, available from Sandoz Chemicals Corporation;methacryloyl ethyl betaine/methacrylates copolymer, such as DiaformerZ-SM®, available from Mitsubishi Chemicals Corporation; polyvinylalcohol copolymer resin, such as Vinex 2019®, available from AirProducts and Chemicals or Moweol®, available from Clariant; adipicacid/epoxypropyl diethylenetriamine copolymer, such as Delsette 101®,available from Hercules Incorporated; polyamine resins, such as Cypro515®, available from Cytec Industries; polyquaternary amine resins, suchas Kymene 557H®, available from Hercules Incorporated; andpolyvinylpyrrolidone/acrylic acid, such as Sokalan EG 310®, availablefrom BASF.

[0085] Specific examples of quaternary ammonium compounds suitable foruse as fabric softening agents include but are not limited to:

[0086] 1) N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;

[0087] 2) N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl,N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium chloride;

[0088] 3) N,N-di(2-tallowyloxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammoniumchloride;

[0089] 4) N,N-di(2-tallowyloxyethylcarbonyloxyethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride;

[0090]5)N-(2-tallowoyloxy-2-ethyl)-N-(2-tallowyloxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride;

[0091] 6) N,N,N-tri(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl ammonium chloride;

[0092] 7) N-(2-tallowyloxy-2-oxoethyl)-N-(tallowyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride;

[0093] 8) 1,2-ditallowyloxy-3-N,N,N-trimethylammoniopropane chloride;and

[0094] and mixtures of any of the above materials.

[0095] Particularly preferred isN,N-di(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride, where thetallow chains are at least partially unsaturated.

[0096] Any suitable well known antistatic agents used in laundering anddry cleaning art are suitable for use as a fabric article active.Especially suitable as antistatic agents are the subset of fabricsofteners which are known to provide antistatic benefits. For examplethose fabric softeners which have a fatty acyl group which has an iodinevalue of above 20, such as N,N-di(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium methylsulfate. However, it is to be understood that the termantistatic agent is not to be limited to just this subset of fabricsofteners and includes all antistatic agents.

[0097] In addition to the fabric article actives described above,carriers and/or methods for assisting deposition of the fabric articleactives onto the fabric articles may also be used during the fabricarticle active delivery stage. A nonlimiting example of such a suitablecarrier and/or method of assisting deposition is the use of electricallycharged liquids, especially water, typically in the form of anelectrostatic spray. In the case of the electrically charged liquids, itis desirable that the fabric articles are humid and/or moist prior todelivering the electrically charged liquids. Accordingly, it isdesirable that the delivery of the electrically charged liquids occurssubsequent to the solvent delivery stage. Further, in the case of thedelivery of the electrically charged liquids, it is desirable that thehousing, if any, associated with the fabric article active deliverystage has a capacity such that the fabric article is sufficientlydistanced from the electrically charged liquid supply source to permitthe electrically charged liquid to provide its benefit upon contactingthe fabric article.

[0098] The electrically charged liquid spray is generated by deliveringthe liquid to the spray nozzle under a combination of electrical andhydrodynamic forces. The liquid is charged at or prior to the nozzleorifice or orifices by passing through an electrical field generated bya charged electrode. The electric field strength is mainly dependentupon the voltage applied to the electrode and the distance from thetarget. The liquid can be delivered to the nozzle by any means, but ispreferably delivered hydrodynamically, for example with externalmechanical work input so as to provide an operating or total pressuregreater than the static pressure of the fluid in the system. Preferablythe liquid is delivered by hydraulic pressure using a pump, especiallypreferred being a peristaltic pump. Typically a suitable pump would havean operating pressure in the range from about 5 to about 2000 kPa,preferably from about 10 to about 1050 kPa, and more preferably fromabout 50 to about 150 kPa. The threshold values of the pressure controlvalve are adjusted accordingly. The discharge capacity of the equipment(defined as flow rate/orifice) on the other hand, is preferably at leastabout 0.1 mL/min/orifice, more preferably from about 0.2 to about 20mL/min/orifice, yet more preferably from about 0.5 to about 10mL/min/orifice and especially from about 1 to about 5 mL/min/orifice.

[0099] The means for electrically charging the liquid preferablycomprises a generator having high and low voltage outputs and inpreferred embodiments is electrically isolated from the operator/user.

[0100] It has been surprisingly found that optimum liquid delivery isobtained by applying the electrically charged liquid in a downwardlydirected spray of droplets (i.e., where the fabric article is below thespray source) having an average droplet size of at least about 40 μm andpreferably in the range from about 75 to about 500 μm and at a proximaldistance of from about 0.1 to about 1 m, the liquid being dischargedthrough the spray nozzle at an exit velocity in the range from about 0to about 2 m/s and at an applied potential in the range from about 0.2to about 50 kV, whereby the overspray as herein defined is less thanabout 40%.

[0101] In other downward-spray mode embodiments of the invention theexit velocity may be from about 0.1 m/s to about 1.5 m/s, preferablyfrom about 0.5 m/s to about 1 m/s and the spray of droplets isdownwardly directed at a spray angle of from about −30° to about 30°,preferably from about −15° to about 15° to the vertical.

[0102] Of course, the electrically charged liquid spray can be deliveredin an upwardly directed spray and/or in a standard horizontal mode aswell with the spray directed at +/−15° to the horizontal and an exitvelocity of from about 4 m/s to about 15 m/s and more preferably fromabout 5 m/s to about 12 m/s. However, this mode can result in slightlymore overspray because of inertial effects, with overspray of less then50%, preferably less than 30%, and more preferably less than 20%.

[0103] In addition to the fabric article actives and deposition aids,such as electrically charged liquids, a deposition monitoring agent canalso be deposited onto the fabric article to assist in monitoring thelevel of deposition of fabric article active onto the fabric article. Anonlimiting example of a deposition monitoring agent comprises atemperature sensitive UV agent.

[0104] b. Solvent Delivery Stage

[0105] The solvent delivery stage typically comprises a solvent deliverystage housing within which a fabric article is contacted by a solvent,preferably in the form of a vapor phase and/or mist and/or electricallycharged liquids, more preferably in the form of an aqueous vapor, suchas steam.

[0106] The application of the aqueous vapor can be achieved by anysuitable process in a single stage or in multiple stages, such as by“pulsing” the aqueous vapor onto the fabric articles. “Pulsing” in thisregard means a non-continuous application such that for a given volumeof aqueous vapor, the entire application requires more than oneapplication cycle. Each pulse can have a duration of from at least about5 seconds to at most about 30 seconds. The aqueous vapor cycle pausetime between each pulse can last for a time interval of from at leastabout 2 seconds, preferably at least about 5 seconds, to at most about20 seconds, preferably at most about 10 seconds. While the aqueous vaporis pulsed, the fabrics can be tumbled or spun such that the fabrics arere-positioned to provide adequate and more uniform coverage of theaqueous vapor.

[0107] In order to reduce the risk of harm to a wide array of fabrictypes, the amount of aqueous vapor applied could be limited to about0.5% to about 50% by weight of the fabrics in each aqueous vaporexposure step. In order to reduce the risk of harm to an even widerarray of fabric types, the amount of aqueous vapor applied can belimited further to about 5% to about 15% by weight of the fabrics ineach aqueous vapor exposure step.

[0108] The aqueous vapor is typically applied at temperatures from about10° C. to about 120° C., more preferably from about 10° C. to about 60°C. At standard room conditions, steam will form at 100° C. and isincluded within the definition of aqueous vapor. Since some apparaticapable of performing the methods of the present invention can attainpressures above atmospheric conditions, superheated steam is alsoincluded in the present definition of aqueous vapor. If the aqueousvapor does contain steam, it is preferred that the steam be what isknown in the chemical arts as “low quality” or “wet” steam.

[0109] It is believed that droplet size plays a role in the “evenness”of the distribution of fluid phases on the fabrics. As such, it ispreferred that the aqueous vapor comprises droplets of less than about 1millimeter in size, more preferably less than about 250 microns in size,and most preferably less than about 100 microns in size.

[0110] The solvent is typically delivered to the fabric article from asolvent supply source. Typically the solvent supply source comprises anozzle through which the solvent is delivered to the fabric article.

[0111] It is desirable that the solvent delivery stage comprises arecovery system capable of collecting and/or recirculating the solventthat is not deposited upon the fabric article during the solventdelivery stage. The recovery system may comprise a condenser to condensethe solvent that is not deposited upon the fabric article.

[0112] c. Drying Stage

[0113] The drying stage typically comprises a drying stage housingwithin which the fabric article is dried.

[0114] The purpose of the drying stage is to remove and/or evaporateexcess liquids from the fabric articles such that the fabric articlesare suitable for handling and/or wearing by the fabric article owners,in other words “dry to the touch”.

[0115] During the drying stage, the fabric article is typically heatedto a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 130° C., more preferablyfrom about 30° C. to about 100° C. in the drying sta A heated gas, suchas air or any other suitable gas known to those in the art can be usedto contact the fabric article during the drying stage to causeevaporative removal of liquids from the fabric article. Typically,heated gas is delivered to the fabric article from a heated gas supplysource. The heated gas supply source typically comprises a heated gasoutlet through which the heated gas is delivered to the fabric article.

[0116] Within the drying stage housing, it is desirable that the heatedgas contacts the fabric article

[0117] d. Fabric Article Transporter

[0118] The fabric article transporter comprises any suitable mechanicalmeans of transporting a fabric article through the one or more stages ofthe fabric article treating system.

[0119] The fabric article transporter may be physically associated withone or more of the stages or may be separate and discrete from the oneor more stages so long as the fabric articles to be treated are capableof passing through the one or more stages. Typically, the fabric articletransporter is arranged such that the fabric articles to be treated aresuspended from the fabric article transporter during the treatingprocess.

[0120] The fabric article transporter may comprise a conveyor systemand/or a chain system and/or a screw system along which the fabricarticles are transported. To facilitate the transporting of fabricarticles, typically the conveyor system and/or chain system and/or screwsystem comprises a fabric article holder, such as a hanger, thatreleasably holds the fabric article in position while the hanger movesalong the conveyor system and/or chain system and/or screw system.

[0121] In addition to the fabric article holder, a stretch elementand/or tensioning element may be used with the fabric article to ensurethat the maximum fabric article surface area is available for treatment.Such stretch elements include, but are not limited to, extended hangersthat contact substantially the entire fabric article and/or weights thatcan be attached to fabric articles, typically at the fabric articles'edges.

[0122] It is desirable that the fabric article transporter is adjustablesuch that the distances between adjacent fabric articles can be alteredto increase and/or decrease those distances. Certain fabric articleactives delivered during the fabric article active delivery stage aredelivered more effectively if there is a greater distance betweenadjacent fabric articles at the time of delivery of such fabric articleactive. For example, in the case of the delivery of an electricallycharged liquid that may or may not comprise a fabric article active, itis desirable that the fabric articles are spaced apart a greaterdistance than for the delivery of other types of fabric article actives,such as perfumes.

EXAMPLES

[0123] FIGS. 1-4 are schematic examples that illustrate nonlimitingembodiments of the present invention.

[0124]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment wherein afabric article via the fabric article transporter (the arrow) passesthrough the solvent delivery stage prior to passing through the fabricarticle active delivery stage. The fabric article then passes throughthe drying stage.

[0125]FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment wherein afabric article via the fabric article transporter (the arrow) passesthrough the solvent delivery stage followed by passing through thedrying stage and subsequently passing through the fabric article activedelivery stage.

[0126]FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment wherein afabric article via the fabric article transporter (the arrow) passesthrough the fabric article active delivery stage and then through thedrying stage.

[0127]FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment wherein afabric article via the fabric article transporter (the arrow) passesthrough the fabric article active delivery stage prior to passingthrough the solvent delivery stage. The fabric article then passesthrough the drying stage.

[0128] It is within the scope of the present invention to arrange thevarious stages of the fabric article treating system in any order and inany number.

[0129] While particular embodiments of the subject invention have beendescribed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variouschanges and modifications of the subject invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended tocover, in the appended claims, all such modifications that are withinthe scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fabric article treating system comprising: a. afabric article transporter; and b. a fabric article active deliverystage; and c. optionally a solvent delivery stage; and d. optionally, adrying stage; wherein the fabric article transporter is capable ofpositioning a fabric article in one or more of the stages of the fabricarticle treating system, such that when the fabric article is present inthe fabric article active delivery stage the fabric article is contactedwith a fabric article active, when the fabric article is present in thesolvent delivery stage the fabric article is contacted by a solvent,when the fabric article is present in the drying stage the fabricarticle is dried.
 2. The fabric article treating system according toclaim 1 wherein at least three stages are present and/or at least threestages are housed within one fabric article treating system housing. 3.The fabric article treating system according to claim 1 wherein two ormore of the stages are associated with one another such that the fabricarticle passes through the two or more stages via the fabric articletransporter during operation of the fabric article treating system. 4.The fabric article treating system according to claim 1 wherein thefabric article active delivery stage comprises a fabric article activedelivery stage housing within which the fabric article is contacted bythe fabric article active.
 5. The fabric article treating systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the fabric article active is selected fromthe group consisting of: fabric softening agents, perfumes,hand-modifying agents, pro-perfumes, anti-static agents, sizing agents,optical brighteners, odor control agents, soil release polymers, insectand/or moth repellent agents, antimicrobial agents, odor neutralizingagents, wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents,waterproofing agents, sizing agents, conditioning agents, dyes, dyefixatives, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreenagents, anti-fade agents, finishing polymers and mixtures thereof. 6.The fabric article treating system according to claim 1 wherein thefabric article active is delivered to the fabric article from a fabricarticle active supply source.
 7. The fabric article treating systemaccording to claim 6 wherein the fabric article active supply sourcecomprises a nozzle through which the fabric article active is deliveredto the fabric article.
 8. The fabric article treating system accordingto claim 7 wherein the nozzle comprises an air atomizing nozzle.
 9. Thefabric article treating system according to claim 1 wherein the fabricarticle active is delivered via a vapor phase and/or a mist.
 10. Thefabric article treating system according to claim 1 wherein the fabricarticle active delivery stage further comprises contacting the fabricarticle with an electrically charged liquid.
 11. The fabric articletreating system according to claim 1 wherein the fabric article activedelivery stage comprises a recovery system that is capable of collectingand/or recirculating the fabric article active that is not depositedupon the fabric article during the fabric article active delivery stage.12. The fabric article treating system according to claim 1 wherein thesolvent delivery stage comprises a solvent delivery stage housing withinwhich the fabric article is contacted by the solvent.
 13. The fabricarticle treating system according to claim 1 wherein the solventcomprises water.
 14. The fabric article treating system according toclaim 13 wherein the water is delivered to the fabric article in theform of steam.
 15. The fabric article treating system according to claim1 wherein the solvent is delivered to the fabric article from a solventsupply source.
 16. The fabric article treating system according to claim15 wherein the solvent supply source comprises a nozzle through whichthe solvent is delivered to the fabric article.
 17. The fabric articletreating system according to claim 16 wherein the nozzle comprises anair atomizing nozzle.
 18. The fabric article treating system accordingto claim 1 wherein the solvent is delivered via a vapor phase and/or amist.
 19. The fabric article treating system according to claim 1wherein the solvent delivery stage comprises a recovery system capableof collecting and/or recirculating the solvent that is not depositedupon the fabric article during the solvent delivery stage.
 20. Thefabric article treating system according to claim 19 wherein therecovery system comprises a condenser to condense the solvent that isnot deposited upon the fabric article.
 21. The fabric article treatingsystem according to claim 1 wherein the drying stage comprises a dryingstage housing within which the fabric article is dried.
 22. The fabricarticle treating system according to claim 1 wherein the fabric articleis heated to a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 130° C. in thedrying stage.
 23. The fabric article treating system according to claim1 wherein heated gas is delivered to the fabric article in the dryingstage.
 24. The fabric article treating system according to claim 23wherein the heated gas is delivered to the fabric article from a heatedgas supply source.
 25. The fabric article treating system according toclaim 24 wherein the heated gas supply source comprises a heated gasoutlet through which the heated gas is delivered to the fabric article.26. The fabric article treating system according to claim 1 wherein thefabric article transporter comprises a screw pitch.
 27. The fabricarticle treating system according to claim 28 wherein the screw pitch isconfigured such that spacing between adjacent fabric articles can bealtered along the screw pitch.
 28. The fabric article treating systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the fabric article treating system furthercomprises a solvent delivery stage wherein the fabric article iscontacted with a solvent when the fabric article is present in thesolvent delivery stage and a drying stage wherein the fabric article isdried when the fabric article is present in the drying stage.
 29. Thefabric article treating system according to claim 1 wherein the fabricarticle active delivery stage comprises a fabric article active deliverystage housing within which the fabric article is contacted by the fabricarticle delivery active, the solvent delivery stage comprises a solventdelivery stage housing within which the fabric article is contacted bythe solvent, and the drying stage comprises a drying stage housingwithin which the fabric article is dried.
 30. The fabric articletreating system according to claim 1 wherein when two or more stages arepresent, the fabric article may pass through the two or more stages viathe fabric article transporter in any order.
 31. The fabric articletreating system according to claim 1 wherein the fabric article activeis a non-volatile fabric article active that is delivered during thefabric article active delivery stage prior to the fabric article passingthrough the solvent delivery stage by the fabric article transporter.32. A method for treating a fabric article in need of treatmentcomprising: a. providing a fabric article treating system according toclaim 1; and b. treating the fabric article in the fabric articletreating system such that the fabric article is treated.
 33. A methodfor treating a fabric article in need of treatment comprising passingthe fabric article through a fabric article active delivery stage, andoptionally a solvent delivery stage, and optionally a drying stage, suchthat the fabric article is treated.